What is Warning California Proposition 65?
California Proposition 65, officially known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act
Why does California have this law?
California has a long history of environmental activism, and Proposition 65 was a response to concerns about the presence of harmful chemicals in everyday products. The law was passed by a wide margin in a 1986 ballot initiative, and has since become a model for similar laws in other states.
What chemicals are covered by Proposition 65?
Proposition 65 covers a wide range of chemicals, including:
- Acetaldehyde (found in cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, and some foods)
- Benzene (found in gasoline, benzene, and some industrial solvents)
- Formaldehyde (found in pressed wood products, some cosmetics, and household cleaners)
- Lead (found in paint, plumbing, and some electronics)
- Mercury (found in some batteries, dental fillings, and fish)
How does Proposition 65 work?
Proposition 65 requires businesses to provide warnings about the presence of any of the listed chemicals in their products if the exposure is likely to cause significant risk to the public. The warnings must be clear and conspicuous, and must be provided in a manner that is easily understood by consumers.
What are the consequences of violating Proposition 65?
Businesses that violate Proposition 65 can face civil penalties of up to $2,500 per day for each violation. In addition, consumers can file lawsuits against businesses that fail to provide warnings.
Is Proposition 65 good for consumers?
Proposition 65 has raised awareness about the presence of harmful chemicals in everyday products, and has encouraged businesses to take steps to reduce exposure to these chemicals. However, some critics argue that the law is overly broad and can lead to unnecessary warnings.
FAQs
- How to identify products that contain Proposition 65 chemicals?
- Look for a warning label that says "This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer or birth defects."
- How to avoid exposure to Proposition 65 chemicals?
- Choose products that are made with safer ingredients.
- Wash your hands and surfaces after handling products that contain Proposition 65 chemicals.
- Ventilate your home and workplace to reduce exposure to indoor air pollution.
- How to report a violation of Proposition 65?
- Contact the California Attorney General's Office.
- How to file a lawsuit against a business that violates Proposition 65?
- Consult with an attorney.
- How to stay informed about Proposition 65?
- Visit the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment website.
I hope this blog post has been informative and interesting. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.